Consumer Guide: How to Choose a Health Insurance Plan

There are many types of health insurance. We know it can be hard to pick which option is best for you and your family. We’ve listed what to think through as you look at health insurance plans. These How-to Worksheets from Covering Wisconsin can help too.

1. Think about your (and your family’s) health care needs

Try to answer these questions. Your answers might affect what type of health insurance is best for you. Questions apply to you and your family.

• Do you have a long-term (chronic) illness or other special need for care?
• How much do you value getting your care from a certain doctor or hospital?
• Do you have any kids in college, living away from home?
• What kinds of health care costs do you think you’ll have in the next year?

2. Look at the key differences between types of health insurance plans

As you look at health insurance plans, try to answer these questions about each plan. Use the answers to compare plans.

• What kind of care is covered?
• Where can you get care?
• When can you get care?
• How much will you have to pay for care?
• How will you be cared for?
• Who can care for you? How much choice do you have in who you see for care?

3. Get extra help if you need it

If any of these apply to you, select the link to learn more.

• You can get insurance through your (or your spouse’s) work—Ask your employer for summaries of your plan. This will tell you more about your rights and protections. You can also learn more about your plan with the Health Benefits Advisor tool from the U.S. Department of Labor.
• You own a small business (2–50 workers)—View these resources to help find health insurance for you and your team.
• Your only option is to buy insurance for yourself—View these resources to help you buy insurance as an individual.
• You cannot afford health insurance—See if a government program can help you with low-cost or free health insurance. There are support programs if you cannot pay for health insurance on your own.
• You or your spouse is a veteran—Learn about health insurance benefits for veterans in Wisconsin.
• You need long-term care—Learn about long-term care insurance and see if it’s right for you. Long-term care refers to services you may need over time due to a long-term (chronic) illness or disability.

4. Review the quality of health care for the plan

When you find a plan or plans that meet your needs, view the information on health care quality. Use the resources to compare the quality of care for different health insurance plans and providers.